CAT 2026 Notification: Registration, Eligibility, Exam Date, Fees & Admission Process
The Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) have released the official CAT 2026 Notification. The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 will be conducted on 29 November 2026 in three sessions for admission to MBA, PGP and other management programmes offered by 21 IIMs and participating institutes across India. Candidates with a Bachelor's degree can apply online from 3 August to 15 September 2026 through the official CAT portal.
CAT 2026 Notification — Key Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) |
| Category | University Admission |
| Program / Course | See Details |
| Total Seats | To be announced |
| Qualification | Bachelor's Degree (Final Year Eligible) |
| Location | India |
| Apply Last Date | 15 September 2026 |
| Official Website | Visit Official Site |
CAT 2026 Notification Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Released | 26 Jul 2026 |
| Application Start | 3 Aug 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 15 Sept 2026 |
| Fee Payment Start | 3 Aug 2026 |
| Fee Payment Last Date | 15 Sept 2026 |
| Exam Date | 29 November 2026 (Sunday) |
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / EWS / NC-OBC | ₹2,700 |
| SC / ST / PwBD | ₹1,350 |
Eligibility Criteria
CAT 2026 is the national-level MBA entrance examination conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). The CAT score is accepted by all participating IIMs and numerous non-IIM management institutions across India for admission into postgraduate management programmes. Each participating institute conducts its own admission process after the declaration of CAT results.
Age Limit
No minimum or maximum age limit has been prescribed for CAT 2026. Candidates only need to satisfy the prescribed educational qualification criteria.
Educational Qualification
Candidates must satisfy any one of the following:
- Bachelor's Degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwBD).
- Final year Bachelor's degree students are eligible.
- Candidates awaiting final results may also apply.
- Candidates holding CA, CS, CMA (ICWA), or FIAI qualifications with the required percentage are eligible.
- Percentage conversion from CGPA will follow university rules.
Selection Process
CAT Exam → Shortlisting → WAT/PI → Final Admission
The admission process generally consists of:
- CAT 2026 Computer Based Test
- Shortlisting by individual IIMs
- Written Ability Test (where applicable)
- Personal Interview
- Final Merit List based on CAT score, academics, work experience and institute-specific criteria.
How to Apply for CAT 2026 Notification
- 1
Visit the official CAT website.
- 2
Register using a valid email ID and mobile number.
- 3
Verify OTP.
- 4
Fill personal details.
- 5
Enter academic qualifications.
- 6
Upload photograph, signature and required certificates.
- 7
Select preferred IIM programmes.
- 8
Choose five preferred test cities.
- 9
Pay the application fee.
- 10
Submit and download the confirmation page.
Complete application before: 15 Sept 2026 at 11:30 AM
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Exam Pattern & Syllabus
CAT 2026 will be conducted as a Computer Based Test (CBT) in three sessions.
The official bulletin does not include the detailed section-wise syllabus. Traditionally, CAT evaluates candidates in:
- Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
- Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
- Quantitative Ability (QA)
The detailed test pattern and instructions will be available in the admit card and official website.
CAT 2026 Notification Previous Year Question Papers
Candidates should solve previous CAT question papers and mock tests to understand:
- Difficulty level
- Time management
- Sectional strategy
- Question pattern
Frequently Asked Questions
CAT 2026 registration begins on 3 August 2026 at 10:00 AM.
The last date to submit the CAT 2026 application is 15 September 2026 at 5:00 PM.
CAT 2026 will be held on 29 November 2026 (Sunday) in three sessions
The application fee is ₹2,700 for General/EWS/NC-OBC candidates and ₹1,350 for SC/ST/PwBD candidates.
Yes. Candidates appearing in the final year of their Bachelor's degree are eligible to apply.
Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree with 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwBD).
No. There is no age limit prescribed for CAT 2026.
Candidates can select five preferred test cities during registration.
Candidates can download the admit card from 4 November 2026 to 29 November 2026.
CAT 2026 results are likely to be declared in the first week of January 2027.